Guy Trainin

GuyTrainin

How the University is Taking the State’s Most Promising Future Educators to the Next Level

The new Teachers Scholar Academy at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln isn’t for everyone. But for incoming college students interested in pushing the education field forward, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

This selective new academy for aspiring teachers will invite up to 40 education students to live and learn together at UNL, with its graduates positioned to become teaching innovators for the 21st century. The program will launch in fall 2019. Guy Trainin, chair of the Department of Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education, says it’s intended to challenge the students, academically and personally.

“This program is going to be more challenging than ordinary teacher education.”

“It’s going to take grit—this program is going to be more challenging than ordinary teacher education,” he said. “Nevertheless, academy students will live and study in a supportive community with a diverse, dynamic and vibrant group of peers. Those one-to-one connections will not only fuel creative collisions and new ideas, they will provide a bedrock of support as each student discovers and stretches their strengths.”

It's the type of program one could only find at a leading public research institution like UNL. Participating students will receive mentoring and specialized support, participate in service learning and research projects, and engage in cutting-edge teaching activities. In return, students will receive four-year scholarships to cover up to 30 credit hours a year, and up to $8,000 toward the cost of housing, meals, books and fees.

“This is a chance to do something different,” Trainin said. “We have school models that were developed in the 19th and 20th centuries trying to prepare the students of the future. New teachers who want to be part of solving this problem will need to be adept in research, innovation and community involvement.”

UNL is at the forefront of energizing the teaching profession. By taking action to better prepare teaching professionals, Nebraska’s students will be better prepared for the workforce—and prepared to move the entire state forward.

Pictured in the header and inset photo: Associate professor Guy Trainin, right, works with students in his SPED 406A Reading Center Practicum.

Contact Your State Senator Now

Your story is just as personal and powerful as the ones above.
Take a moment to tell it to your senator, and share why it's critical to invest
in the University of Nebraska.
It only takes a few minutes to send a personal email or make a phone call.
Here's how to do it.

Become an NU Advocate

Join us in growing a strong future for Nebraska.
When you become an NU Advocate, you'll be among the first to hear about
important issues,
key legislative bills and upcoming advocacy events. With knowledge and
resources,
it's easy to help make a difference.

Your Senator Is:

Call Senator

Making a call only takes a few minutes and sends a strong message to your
state senator. Your senator may not be able to take the call, but you can
speak to the legislative aide who works for the senator. They will log your
call, take a message and pass it on. Keep your conversation brief, and be
sure to cover these essential points:

Introduce yourself as a constituent in their district and provide your
name.

Be clear that you're calling about the University's portion of the
state appropriation.

Ask if your senator will support funding the University. Thank them if
they already do.

Share your story about how the University has impacted you or your
family. A personal story is hard to ignore. Explain why it's important
to you that your senator invests in the University of Nebraska. Again,
keep it brief and to-the-point.

Ask for your opinion to be noted. Politely finish the call by thanking
the senator or legislative aide for their time.

Email Senator

Sending a written message to your state senator is generally more effective
than making a call. They're more concise and easier to respond to, and
they're more likely to be viewed by the senator. If you can, send a
personalized message with these essential points. Keep your message brief
(a paragraph or so).

Write a personal, attention-getting subject line that lets the
senator know your topic— "Investing in the University of
Nebraska" or "University of Nebraska State Funding."

Introduce yourself as a constituent in their district; provide
your name.

Be clear that you're writing about the University's portion of
the state appropriation.

Share your personal story about how the University has impacted
you or your family. Explain why it's important to you that your
senator invests in the University of Nebraska. Again, keep it
brief and to-the-point.

Ask if your senator will support funding the University.

Indicate that you'd appreciate a reply and thank your senator
for their time.

You Just Made a Difference

Keep making a difference by becoming an NU Advocate. As an Advocate, you'll
receive communications about important issues and legislative bills
concerning the University of Nebraska—and you'll be the first to hear about
upcoming advocacy events. And, we'll let you know when you need to raise
your voice again.